How to Cure a Fever at Home

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A fever is your body's natural response to fight off viruses and bacteria by weakening the germs and limiting their ability to reproduce. [1] It also helps burn away toxins and stimulates the immune system. Since a fever is the body’s preferred method for healing itself, it should only be “cured” when the body becomes too weak to handle the infection, when the fever is too high for the body to handle, or when it makes you extremely uncomfortable. While you can handle most fevers at home, you should call emergency services immediately if you also have severe dehydration with blue lips, tongue, or nails; severe headache; hallucinations or difficulty walking; difficulty breathing; or seizures. [2]

1

Wear light clothing.

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  1. Wear loose, comfortable clothes when you have a fever to help your body relax and improve air circulation to help you stay cool. Remove excess clothing or blankets that can trap heat and make a fever last longer. Try a layer of lightweight clothing, and one lightweight blanket or sheet for sleep.
    • Natural fibers, such as cotton, bamboo, or silk, often breathe better than manmade fibers like acrylic or polyester.
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2

Lower the room temperature.

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  1. [3] The room temperature should ideally be 73–77 °F (23–25 °C).
    • If the room is hot or stuffy, a fan may help.
3

Get plenty of rest.

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  1. Take some time off work to get even more sleep than you usually do if possible. [4]
    • Sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system, increase the production of stress hormones, put you at higher risk for chronic disease, and lower life expectancy.
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4

Take a fever-reducing medication.

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  1. Several medicines target fevers: acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin, for instance. Take these over-the-counter medications as the label suggests to help bring down your fever. [5]
    • Check the dosing carefully. Take the smallest dose possible to relieve your fever.
    • Children under 18 should not take aspirin unless specifically recommended by a doctor. It is associated with the development of Reye's syndrome, a disease that causes the brain and liver to swell. [6]
5

Cool your body.

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  1. Dip small towels or a sponge in lukewarm water and dab your forehead, legs, and under your arms. This helps keep your body cool and can make you more comfortable. [7]
    • Using cold water, an ice pack, or taking a cold shower can induce shivers, which can increase the core body temperature, making the fever last longer.
    • Do not apply warm towels to an injury or inflamed skin, as it can cause bleeding and further inflammation.
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6

Keep your nose clear.

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  1. Do not blow your nose too hard, as the pressure can give you an earache on top of the cold. Be sure to blow gently and only as often as necessary. [8]
    • Experts recommend that you blow by holding a finger over one nostril and gently blowing the other into a tissue. [9] If your child or infant has a cold, help them blow their nose correctly.
    • Wash your hands each time you blow your nose to avoid chances of other infections by bacteria or viruses.
7

Do not use rubbing alcohol.

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  1. However, it is a very temporary sensation. This cooling effect does not help when you have a fever as it can cause shivering, which raises your core body temperature. [10]
    • In addition, the skin can soak up alcohol. For small children (and infants in particular), this approach can increase the risk of alcohol poisoning. [11]
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8

Drink lots of water.

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  1. Your body can quickly lose moisture and get dehydrated by sweating or sneezing caused by illnesses, such as colds and flu, that are often associated with a fever. Dehydration can cause your temperature to rise and often leads to headaches, dizziness, muscle cramps, low blood pressure, and seizures. [12]
    • 2–4 litres (8.5–16.9  c) of water is the daily recommendation for the average adult. [13]
    • For young children, consider a commercial electrolyte rehydration solution, such as Pedialyte, since these proportions have been specifically designed for children's bodies. [14]
    • To rehydrate children, offer at least 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) per hour for infants, 2 fluid ounces (59 mL) per hour for toddlers, and 3 fluid ounces (89 mL) per hour for older children. [15]
9

Eat healthy foods.

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  1. Some good choices for foods are: [16]
    • Bread, crackers, and pasta made with refined white flour
    • Refined hot cereals, such as oatmeal or cream of wheat
    • Juices are okay in moderation, but do not give your child too much fruit juice, as many fruits contain citric acid, which can cause stomach acid reflux and lead to vomiting. Dilute these drinks by making them one half water, one half juice. If you are making homemade juice, make sure the fruits or vegetables used are ripe. Make sure the juice is 100% juice with no added sugar. Do not give juice to a child who is vomiting. [17]
    • For children who are accustomed to drinking it regularly, milk is a good choice if they are not vomiting.
    • Infants should only be given nutritious beverages, breastmilk, and commercial rehydration solutions like Pedialyte until the fever comes down. Solid foods may put too much strain on the infant’s digestive system. [18]
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10

Reduce caffeine intake.

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  1. Caffeine overdose can cause fevers, headaches, insomnia, diarrhea, irritability, and dizziness. Caffeine also stimulates water excretion and excessive intake can lead to dehydration. [19] When you have a fever, try to avoid caffeine or lower your intake to 100 mg.
    • 1 cup (240 mL) of brewed coffee contains 133 mg of caffeine, and 1 cup (240 mL) of black tea contains 53 mg of caffeine. Avoid sugary soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks, as these can cause nausea and vomiting during a fever.
    • Do not use caffeine supplements until you recover from the fever.
    • Children and infants should generally avoid taking caffeine.
11

Avoid alcohol and smoking.

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  1. You should abstain from drinking alcohol, whether it is beer, wine, or another drink when you have a fever, regardless of severity. Alcohol weakens the immune system, making it harder for your body to recover quickly. [20]
  2. In addition to the risks of lung cancer and other respiratory diseases, smoking also suppresses the body’s immune system. [21] Smoking thus requires the body to fight harder against viruses and bacteria, which increases body temperature. It is best to avoid exposure to cigarette smoke, nicotine, and other tobacco products until your fever has reduced.
    • Children (especially infants) should not be exposed to secondhand smoke, especially while they have a fever.
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12

When to seek emergency medical help.

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  1. A very high fever can be extremely dangerous. If your fever reaches above a temperature of 103 °F (39 °C), go to an emergency room or an urgent care facility for testing. You may need prescription medication or hospitalization.
  2. Always consult a pediatrician before giving a child medication for a fever. Additionally, seek medical care if your child: [22]
    • Is younger than 3 months old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4 °F (38.0 °C) or higher
    • Is 3-6 months old and has a fever of 102 °F (39 °C) or higher
    • Is under age 2 and has a fever that lasts longer than 48 hours
    • Is not alert, cannot be awakened easily, has had fevers come and go for up to a week or more (even if they are not very high or if fever symptoms come back after they had gone away)
    • Does not make tears when crying or cannot be calmed down when crying
    • Does not have wet diapers or has not urinated in the past 8 hours
    • Has other symptoms that suggest an illness may need to be treated, such as a sore throat, earache, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, or a cough.
  3. Though you can treat many fevers at home, there are specific situations in which you should leave the care to the professionals. Reasons to seek emergency care when you have a fever include: [23]
    • Neck pain or stiffness
    • Intense headache or sensitivity to light
    • Confusion
    • Vomiting
    • Chest pain
    • Trouble breathing
    • Seizures
  4. A fever is your body’s natural way to eliminate illness. But a fever that continues could be a sign of a deeper or more serious problem. If your fever doesn’t go away, even after trying to get rid of it, call your doctor. They may suggest that you seek emergency treatment or they can prescribe medication that can help. [24]
    • If your fever lasts longer than 48 hours, call a doctor. It could be a sign of a viral infection.
  5. A high fever can cause your body to lose fluids and could lead to dehydration. If you begin to feel symptoms of dehydration, get to an emergency room or an urgent care clinic immediately. You may need IV fluids to rehydrate. [25]
    • Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, sleepiness, little or dark urine output, headache, dry skin, dizziness, and faintness.
  6. If you have a disease such as diabetes, anemia, a heart condition, or lung disease and you develop a high fever, you need to get checked out by a doctor. A fever is much more dangerous if you already have a condition that could be exacerbated by a fever. [26]
    • If you’re concerned, call your primary care doctor to be sure of what you need to do.
  7. If you develop a skin rash, or you see bruises that you can’t explain and seem to have come out of nowhere, contact your doctor. It could be a sign of a serious problem with your immune system. [27]
    • If the rash worsens or starts to spread, go to an emergency room.
    • Painful bruises on your skin that start to get larger or more numerous could be a sign of a serious illness. Go to the hospital if you develop lots of painful bruises.
  8. Caffeine can be dangerous if you have a high fever and your body is dehydrated, so you should avoid consuming any at all. But if you do drink coffee or tea and you start to exhibit symptoms of caffeine overdose, go to an emergency room immediately. [28]
    • Caffeine overdoses exhibit symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, chest pains, convulsions, hallucinations, and loss of consciousness.
  9. Physical activity, mood swings, hormonal changes, irregular or heavy eating, tight or heavy clothing, medications, and exposure to high temperatures can also increase your body temperature. If you suspect you have heat stroke, seek medical care immediately. [29]
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      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • When you have a fever, it may seem counterintuitive, but avoid bundling up in lots of layers. Piling on too many heavy clothes and blankets can actually worsen a fever instead of helping it. Stick to just one lightweight layer so your body can better regulate its temperature.
      • When you have the energy, take a short and gentle walk outside for some fresh air circulation. This can help relieve fever discomfort. If you're too dizzy to walk, open the windows to let in fresh air instead. But don't overexert yourself.
      • If you develop a headache from a fever, avoid prolonged TV watching or screen time. The extra stimulation can exacerbate headache pain. Instead, give your eyes a rest by lying in a dark, quiet room while staying hydrated.
      • For fever relief and to help you sleep, wet a washcloth with cool water and place it across your forehead or on the back of your neck. The cooling sensation can provide comfort. Avoid using ice packs directly on skin.
      • Stick to acetaminophen or ibuprofen for young ones with a fever, but always check with your pediatrician first on proper dosage.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/fever.html
      2. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/basics/definition/con-20019229
      3. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352764
      4. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352764
      5. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352764
      6. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/reyes-syndrome/basics/definition/con-20020083
      7. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279453/
      8. ↑ https://indianapublicmedia.org/amomentofscience/how-to-blow-your-nose.php
      9. ↑ https://indianapublicmedia.org/amomentofscience/how-to-blow-your-nose.php
      1. ↑ http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=4543
      2. ↑ http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=4543
      3. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086
      4. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
      5. ↑ http://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/1001/p692.html
      6. ↑ http://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/1001/p692.html
      7. ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000319.htm
      8. ↑ http://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/1001/p692.html
      9. ↑ http://www.aafp.org/afp/2009/1001/p692.html
      10. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20045678
      11. ↑ http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body
      12. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19109742
      13. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/basics/definition/con-20019229
      14. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/basics/definition/con-20019229
      15. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20352759
      16. ↑ https://www.emedicinehealth.com/dehydration_in_adults/article_em.htm
      17. ↑ https://www.verywellhealth.com/when-to-see-a-doctor-for-a-fever-770768
      18. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20352759
      19. ↑ https://www.healthline.com/health/caffeine-overdose
      20. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048167
      21. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/basics/definition/con-20019229

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To cure a fever at home, drink a glass of water every 2 hours, which will help keep your temperature down. You can also lower the temperature of the room you're in by opening a window or turning on the AC since high temperatures make fevers last longer. Try taking a 10-minute warm shower to regulate your body temperature so your fever goes away faster. If your fever persists, take a fever-reducing medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen and go to sleep so your body heals quicker. To learn more from our Doctor of Medicine co-author, such as how to change your diet to reduce your fever, keep reading!

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